Judges 3:18

Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)

وَكَانَ لَمَّا ٱنْتَهَى مِنْ تَقْدِيمِ ٱلْهَدِيَّةِ، صَرَفَ ٱلْقَوْمَ حَامِلِي ٱلْهَدِيَّةِ،

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a moment after a gift was offered; the person in charge dismissed the bearers of the gift. It’s part of a larger story in Judges about a man named Eglon and a hero named Ehud. The key message here is the completion of a ritual or task and the subsequent dismissal of those involved.

Explained for Children

Imagine you’re at a birthday party, and after giving your gift, you’re told to go home. That’s what happened here, but in a more serious context. After a gift was given, the person in charge said it was time for the gift bearers to leave.

Historical Background

This verse is from the book of Judges, which was written around 1000-700 BC. It is part of the Deuteronomistic history, written to show how Israel’s history reflected God’s covenant with them. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one of tribal conflict and divine intervention.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this can be seen as a reminder of the importance of completing tasks or ceremonies with purpose and then moving forward. For example, after a successful work presentation, it’s important to thank and release those who helped, so they can focus on the next task.

Topics

• gift giving
• leadership
• dismissal
• ritual
• history
• covenant

Related Verses

• Exodus 25:1-9
• 1 Kings 10:10
• Ezra 8:24-28
• Matthew 2:11
• Luke 24:53

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of dismissing the people who bore the gift?

Dismissing the gift bearers signifies the completion of a formal exchange, highlighting the importance of recognizing the end of a task and respecting those involved.

How does this verse relate to the story of Ehud and Eglon?

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Ehud, a judge of Israel, uses the opportunity of a gift offering to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab, thus completing a mission that freed Israel from Moabite oppression.

Why is this verse important for understanding the culture of ancient Israel?

This verse gives insight into the formalities and rituals involved in gift exchanges and the role of leadership in ancient Israel, which reflects the cultural norms and political dynamics of that time.

What can we learn about leadership from this verse?

Leadership in this context involves recognizing the completion of tasks and the importance of proper closure, such as dismissing those involved in the task after it is completed.